Bleach: Forbidden Love 1

Author's Notes: Shortly after the defeat of Aizen, Ichigo lost his powers but the Soul Society were forced to reverse the effects, at least temporarily, when humans began to disappear. The explanation will be better explained later. This story is part of an even larger story series but because Jushiro is my favorite character, I decided to start with this one first. The characters Becki, Sasha, Sasha ex’s husband and any other original characters are mine. All other characters belong to Tite Kubo.

Summary: Jushiro Ukitake is sent to the World of the Living to protect a human who keeps falling off the radar. Unable to protect her in the living world, he gets permission to take her back to the Soul Society where he feels he can protect her better. In the mean time the Soul Society become aware this new foe is someone from their past. What does this foe want and why does the woman Jushiro protects, holds the key?

Colliding Worlds
Book 8
Forbidden Love – Chapter 1

With the defeat of Captain Aizen and his followers, it took several hours to have Karakura town returned back to the Living world. But before it had happened, Orihime, now safe, found her Soul Reaper bestie, Rangiku, grieving over Gin’s body. Feeling bad for her, she decided to try band bring him back like she did with the Arrancar in Heuco Mundo. Surprisingly she managed to bring him back. He appreciated what the busty teen did for him, but felt he didn’t deserve to live and now had to answer for his crimes. However, Gin was not the only to be brought back. Both Lieutenant of Squad 9 and Captain of Squad 8 had requested if it were possible to bring Kaname back. Orihime wasn’t sure if she could do it, but she gave it a try anyway. With nearly nothing left of Kaname, she used his blood to reconstruct his body.

Gin and Kaname were made accountable for their actions and sent to prison. Although evidence suggested they were being controlled. Aizen had Gin controlled from the time he first became a Soul Reaper little over 100 years ago and where Aizen had created his own Hokyoku, he was able to place Kaname under his control as well, but the blind man never seen it happen, until his death.

While the debate was still out on what to do with the traitors, a new and terrible face appeared in Heuco Mundo, claiming what Aizen once had. Now the word was out this new foe was after extraordinarily strong spiritual humans, but no one knew who the new sovereign was. Not even Squad 12 could get a fix on what was happening. Getting the aide of Kisuke once again, who lived in the World of the Living, the former Squad 12 Captain, was able to get sights on all high spiritual energies in Karakura Town.

Considering this new threat, Head Captain Yamamoto organized teams to search out these high-spirited humans for protection, naturally in secret. But there was one who kept eluding Kisuke’s radar. Though he could sense this person, there were times when the person’s spiritual pressure would suddenly disappear and then reappear later. It was very peculiar, and it reminded him of Ichigo when his would fluctuate before he learned how to control it.

Wanting to get this matter dealt with, Head Captain Yamamoto, in his office, called forth one of his best former students, Jushiro Ukitake to meet with him in private. Most of the other Captains were busy. They were either dealing with picking up the slack with the three Squads who had no Captains or helping their Squad members with those they needed to protect.

“You wanted to see me?” Jushiro asked as he walked into the open room. He was the only Captain who really didn’t have a task to deal with. From the battle with the Arrancars, he had been still recuperating from his injuries by Coyote Starrk. With the casualties being so high, Captain Unohana had Orihime assist her. Jushiro was dying and had no one able to attend to his injuries. Orihime offered to heal him since he was the one who housed her during her stay in the Soul Society when she trained for the war.

“Yes, I have an assignment for you, since your health has been good as of late.”

“When Orihime Inoue healed me from my wounds, she seemed to have partially healed my illness as well. I don’t ever remember feeling this healthy before.”

“So I’ve been told,” Yamamoto nodded. “Ever since you were a toddler, you have had an extremely rare illness and now to have most of that illness gone, it has to be an amazing feeling for you. But that isn’t why I called you.”

“Of course, sir.”

“Jushiro, as you know teams have been sent to the World of the Living, setting up protections to those with extremely high spiritual pressure. I now require your assistance in searching for one in Karakura Town. Not even Kisuke Urahara can keep track.”

“And him being a former Captain, I'm surprised. But may I ask, why me, sir?” he asked, perplexed to be given such a mission. It had been an extremely long time since the last time he had a mission in the human world.

“The latest intelligence report states the person we are looking for is often found at the Town’s library. Kisuke Urahara has informed of a formal function tonight. Something called a ‘grand re-opening’ of the library. You are to go and check it out,” Yamamoto ordered. With his explanation, he knew Jushiro would see why he was picked. Jushiro was a man who loved to read and when he wasn’t sick, would often spend his spare time, in the Seireitei’s library.

Knowing there was not going to be any way to persuade the old man out of the idea, Jushiro bowed his head. “Yes, Head Captain. I will check it out right away,” he responded, turning away and leaving the office to retrieve his Soul Candy pack and travel to the human world where he would speak with Kisuke about going to the function at the library. It had been a long time since he had to travel to Earth, disguising himself as a human.

Upon informing Rukia he was leaving for a mission and placed her in charge until he returned, the white haired captain left for the Living World, appearing easily in a park nearby Kisuke’s shop. He swiftly made his way to the man’s shop who, after considering his options with Aizen gone, decided to remain in the Living World though his exile had been fully lifted. Kisuke had made himself extremely comfortable living in the human world, able to fit in quite nicely. Since he had no actual reason to return back to Soul Society, he decided to continue helping, as he had in the past, being the eyes and ears for the Soul Society just now in open

“Kisuke Urahara?” Jushiro called, upon entering the store, coming upon two kids. “Oh, hello.”

Whatever the two kids were doing, they stopped and the boy regarded the Captain. “You’re from the Soul Society?” asked the boy.

“I am,” Jushiro answered.

Turning, the boy placed a hand close to his mouth. “Hey Mr. Kisuke!” he yelled. “One of your former associates is here!” He turned back to Jushiro. “He’ll be here in a minute.”

As the boy stated, Jushiro only had to wait a moment before he heard the voice of the former Squad 12 Captain.

“Well, well Captain Ukitake. I didn’t expect you to pop around,” responded Kisuke as he slid open the door that separated the shop from his house.

Jushiro looked up. “No. This is a surprise to me as well, but you know how it is when the Head Captain gives an assignment.”

“I suppose you’re right. So, what can I help you with?” Kisuke asked, sliding his hands into his pockets, looking quite laid back.

“I’m in need of a gigai.”

“Straight to the point, I see?” Yanking out his fan, Kisuke grinned. “You’ve come to the right place. I take it then you are here because of that one who keeps eluding the sensors?”

“I am,” Jushiro nodded.

Kisuke nodded. “Ginta, go and get me a gigai for this good Captain.”

“Right away boss,” answered the boy as he rushed past the man, going to the back-storage room.

Kisuke looked at the good Captain. “I’m surprised you were sent and not someone else.”

“I am too, but apparently there was no one else. The Head Captain has many of us scattered throughout the world. I will also need something appropriate to wear to that function you discussed with the old man.”

“Oh yes. The Library,” Kisuke replied. “After some time of planning and fundraising, the library was able to expand. The event is more of a gala so that means you will need a suit and tie for this function. In this world many people have dropped using kimonos for formal functions.”

“Rukia mentioned that to me earlier today.”

The two were interrupted when Ginta returned with the gigai. Getting a refresher course, Jushiro soon left within the dummy body to purchase a suit for the function tonight.
Once getting what he needed, he returned back to the Soul Society to get ready at the barracks with Rukia’s assistance. While Rukia gave her Captain the final touches, Shunsui arrived to check in on his friend. Jushiro was dressed in a nice black suit and tie, with Rukia giving him the final touches.

“Now this is something I've never seen before,” Shunsui chuckled.

Rukia swiftly turned. “Captain Kyoraku!”

Jushiro turned to his friend. “Tell me about it. I've done some research on what the Head Captain wishes for me to do. I’m attending a human function.”

“What sort of function?”

“Something about a grand reopening of a library,” the white-haired man commented. “There is one high spiritual human who keeps eluding everyone, but sources have that one person we’re looking for has been located at the library often.”

Shunsui elbowed his friend. “Well I'm sure a dashing man like yourself may finally find your perfect match.”

“Shunsui!” Jushiro gasped with a nervous chuckle. “I highly doubt that. Besides, you know relationships between Soul Reapers and humans is strictly forbidden.”

“And yet young Ichigo and his two little sisters are results of one such as that,” Shunsui added. “I’m only joking with you. Though it would be nice to see you settle down, now that you have a chance at life. You’ve already wasted your life and dedication to the Soul Society and your Squad.”

Shaking his head, knowing he was right, Jushiro looked to his short subordinate. “Well I best be going. Rukia, how do I look?”

“Like a human,” she answered. “And really good. Now remember what I told you. Do your best to mingle with the other humans.”

Shunsui nodded. “Probably your best bet is to watch what the others do and perhaps spin it around to your style, but keeping it with human traditions.”

“Good idea. Hopefully, I will only be gone a short time.” Jushiro picked the coat he purchased, putting it on over his suit. Carefully, he flipped his hair out from the coat to let it drape down his back. He kept his hair down as he left for the Senkaimon.

/ - / - / - /

In her apartment, Sasha Notelfur was getting ready for the grand reopening of the town’s library. The celebration was for a new addition added on to accommodate the growing rise in technology. When the construction was completed, the library had to be closed for a month to allow the new wing to be connected to the main area from the inside.

Sasha was a young single woman with long auburn hair, pulled up in her favorite American Disney Princess, Princess Jasmine. Her bangs framed around either side of her face, showing off her blue eyes, which shone with excitement, but the eyes also held deep wounds from a past she wasn’t fond of speaking about. She stood five foot and five inches and with her heels, made her even taller. To many, she was a beautiful woman who was raised by her grandparents.

Giving herself one more look over in the mirror, she turned away and left her apartment to hail down a cab and left for the party. Even though she had her own car, she didn't want to drive, not when there was a risk she would be drinking tonight.

For several years, the library had wanted to expand but never had funds to do so. At least not until Sasha began to work there, around a year ago through time and effort, they were able to finally expand. One of her dreams was to see the library grow and it now was becoming the real deal. With her being a big part of the expansion, she was asked to attend in her own honor of a job well done.

Upon arriving at the library, the place was already bustling with people. The entrance was currently blocked off for the time being with a ribbon going across the entrance.

“Oh good you’re here!” someone shouted out.

Sasha only had time to pay her taxi fare before someone grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the steps. She squealed in surprise just as a man with long white hair arrived. Too busy trying to prevent herself from falling, she missed the opportunity to glance around.

Jushiro was doing his best to mingle, keeping his eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. He noticed right off how well he was blending in with his choice of clothing. It felt different to be in such attire, but knew it was essential as the time period was much different than he ever really knew.

Before he had a chance to study what other human males were doing, a squeal caught his attention. Turning to the sound, he saw an attractive woman with auburn hair, past by him with another woman pulling her along. Being close enough to them, he was able to make out what they were saying. But that wasn’t the only thing that caught his attention. For a split second he felt a spike in spiritual energy coming from one of the two women.

“Sasha! You’re almost late!”

“Becki!” Sasha blurted, trying to prevent herself from tripping. “Not my fault, the streets were busy.”

“Yeah, well they want to do the ribbon cutting ceremony and you’re the one we’re waiting for. So, let’s move!” The woman continued to pull Sasha towards the entrance to prepare for the ribbon cutting.

Too curious on who had the spiritual pressure, Jushiro carefully made his way through the crowd. “Excuse me,” he politely said as he pushed around some people wanting to get closer. He soon found himself surrounded by more people. “Pardon me.” He continued to excuse himself as he went around the people when he had to.

Soon enough he stopped when his eyes caught the beautiful woman once moren and this time, she was in front of a ribbon blocking the library. Now he understood what the other woman was saying about a ribbon. He deduced the ribbon he saw was for part of the ceremony. It was something he never seen done before but heard about it from other Soul Reapers.

Now that he knew where she went, he decided to take a moment and observe those around him so he could mingle better. As he watched, one eye kept trained on the mystery woman, which he could feel a power from her, but there were a few others as well he could sense.

“May I have your attention please?!” Sasha called out suddenly holding a microphone, which was handed to her by someone off to the side. “I want to thank you all for coming and I just have to say a few things first before everything gets underway.” She paused. “First of all, working here at the library has been wonderful for me. I first came to work here a year ago and it became my personal goal to help this library achieve its goal of expanding. Well thanks to all my hard work and dedication, I have accomplished just that.”

When she paused once again, people around applaud. Wanting to be sure he remained ‘into his character’, Jushiro did the same. He believed he now had done enough studying in how to present himself properly without drawing attention to himself. He couldn’t help but note how wonderful the woman looked in her strapless red and deep purple gown, which matched her hair perfectly. Top of the dress was red with a deep purple, which draped only to her hips and flared out into a form fitting red skirt. Below the skirt showed a deep purple ruffle and white to the ground over top of a white under skirt. He could barely make out red shoes on her feet.

He continued to watch as someone handed the lady a large pair of scissors. For a moment, he wondered what the scissors were for and then it clicked. It’s a ribbon ceremony and he did read up that with ribbon ceremonies, they’d use abnormal large scissors.

“Secondly I'd like to point out, when we all enter, you will notice the new section is completely empty, which I'm sure you will realize the reason,” she chuckled, which made the others chuckle as well. “And Finally, I would just like you to all enjoy yourself tonight and be sure to take the safe way home.” Again there were small puffs of laughter.

The manager of the library, stepped up to her, grasping one side of the scissors while she took the other side. “And now, I declare the library officially… Reopened!” she announced, clipping the ribbon, letting it fall to the floor, and creating another applause. “Please, come on inside and see what we have done with the new addition. There are refreshments and for the first time, music. So enjoy yourselves. I know I will.” With another crackle of chuckles, people began to make their way into the library.

Just as the guests were led the guests inside, the woman who pulled Sasha from the taxi, yanked her arm once more and pulled her towards a small group of people.

“Sasha, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Elijah. Elijah, this is my best friend Sasha.”

Elijah looked to Sasha. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Becki has told me a lot about you.”

“Really?” Sasha blinked. “I hope it’s all good.”

“Of course,” Becki laughed. “You’re the one who helped me get this job after you got hired.” She looked over to see another friend of hers. “Oh! Look! Someone else you have to meet.” She didn’t give Sasha any time to say anything or protest before she was dragging her over.

“Becki!” Sasha squeaked as the two ladies rushed by Jushiro once more.

Jushiro watched as her friend pulled Sasha from one group of people to another. Seeing the anguish look in the pretty woman’s face, he decided to intervene. Of course, he didn’t like seeing her being pulled around like a rag doll. It reminded him too much of his own friend.

Jushiro stepped over. “Excuse me, may I have a word with you?” he asked to Sasha.

The one Sasha called Becki, looked at the man and nearly felt herself have a heart attack. He was extremely handsome. She opened her mouth to speak but the white haired man was swift to take Sasha’s hand leading her away from her flabbergasted friend who then shrugged and began to mingle with her friends once more.

“Ah, yeah… sure.” Sasha was getting tired of her friend dragging her everywhere and when the strange gorgeous man grasped her hand, asking to speak with her, she was quite relieved. She looked at her mystery rescuer and gasped. Boy was he ever handsome. And standing this close without anyone around her, he looked even more gorgeous. Even his white hair was stunning.

When they were far enough away he gave her a gentle grin, “I hope you don't mind, I came to 'rescue' you.”

“Oh thank you!” she sighed in relief. “Guess my friend wasn’t paying too much attention on treating me like a rag doll. I'm not even through the doors and she's already introducing me to her crowd of friends.”

“Yes, I know how you feel on that. I have a few friends who often like to do that. But I know they are only looking out for my best interests,” he answered.

“I don’t mean to sound rude, but I don’t recognize you. Have we met before?” Sasha continued to look at the man before her.

“No.” He shook his head. “I’m Jushiro and it’s a pleasure to meet you Miss...”

“Sasha,” she answered with a shy smile. He had beautiful features and a very gentle voice and soft smile. Even his brown eyes were soft looking and very gentle and alluring. But there was something else to his features she couldn’t put her finger on. As if he had more wisdom than his looks gave.

“Sasha,” he repeated, allowing the name to roll of his tongue. He had never heard quite a name like that before. “That’s a very lovely name.” He did have to admit the name had a nice ring to it.

She smiled. “Jushiro. I’ve never heard a name quite like that before either. It’s nice.” Had she only known, the man before her was someone from another world.

“Yes, it’s very unique,” he answered with a friendly smile. “Care to allow me to be your escort?” he offered, letting go of her hand to allow her to link her arm into the crook of his arm, gesturing towards the entrance where many people were still making their way inside to see the new look.

“Thank you, Jushiro,” she answered with a giggle, noticing how charming he was. She took his invitation and the two made their way inside. She half snorted suddenly. “Too bad we didn't meet eight years ago, perhaps my life would have turned out differently.”

“Oh?” he blinked as the two walked through the threshold of the building, heading straight towards the refreshment table. He unhooked her arm to grab to glasses of champagne before leading to a table for two. “Why do you say that?”

She lowered her head as she sat opposite of him. “It’s not big secret. Eight years ago I got married but it didn’t last, as you can see...” she lifted her left hand showing a ringless finger. “I’ve officially been single for two years now.“

It wasn’t lost on him of her sadness in her eyes. From the pit of his stomach he had a feeling the woman before him still had some major healing to do. “I’m sorry to hear that. I take it your marriage ended on a bad note?” He took a sip of his drink.

“Bad note!? That’s an understatement, but you have no idea how close you are.” She took a drink of hers. She couldn’t believe she was telling him this but looking in his eyes, there was something about him that was trusting. “My ex's in jail for spousal abuse." She shivered at the thought.

“Hey, slow down,” he replied, grasping her hand to stop her from downing the drink. “You are the hostess here. I wouldn't want to get too drunk, too soon.”

“You’d be the first to really care...” she spoke a little more quietly. “I ended up having a miscarriage, two years ago. It's ridiculously hard to move on after losing a baby, but I have though, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him or her.” She stared at the table, remembering that horrible night, which happened to be the same night she finally got the courage to say enough was enough. It didn’t take her long to file charges, which landed him in a maximum-security prison.

Jushiro’s eyes widened in surprise. How could anyone do such a thing to a woman? “I am terribly sorry for your loss. I could never imagine what it would have been like to go through something like that. It reminds me of a friend of mine who lost his wife to an illness some time ago.” Jushiro could remember how Byakuya reacted when he lost Hisana to a horrible fever all those years ago.

“Terrible,” Sasha said. “Losing someone you love is always sad.” Just then music began playing. From the corner of her eye, could see a few couples making their way to the dance floor. “Fun, fun. Just my luck. I love to dance and there's no one to dance with.” Her mind drifted to her male companion wondering if he could dance. Realizing what she was thinking, she turned her head away from him, ashamed in thinking such thoughts about a stranger.

Jushiro chuckled. “That’s not necessarily true,” he replied. “Would you care to dance?” He held out his hand to her, hoping she'd take the offered hand.

Sasha gasped as her head whipped around to the man. Unable to speak a coherent word to him, she lightly smiled as she rested her hand into his. With a firm grasp, he lightly pulled her to the dance floor. He kept one eye on her while the other was on how the other couples were dancing. With careful ease, he circled his free arm around her waist. He kept a hold of her hand. Her hand, on reflex, rose up to rest against his shoulder and the two began to sway to the music like everyone else was. Much had changed since the last time he was in the World of the Living on a mission.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, not sure what else to say. This was completely unbelievable. She seriously hoped this man was for real and wasn't just trying to get her into bed. If that were the case, he would be sorely mistaken. Since she left her ex-husband, she took up karate lessons to defend herself from assholes.

“From the looks of things Jushiro, it would seem you've been to formal functions before. Me, on the other hand, often find them dreadful and usually end up getting drunk so I don't have to remember the night, but tonight I think I may just stay sober and remember this one.”

Jushiro lightly chuckled. “I'll take that as a compliment and consider myself lucky then,” he answered with a smile. “I would hate to see a lovely lady such as yourself become too drunk to move. My best friend loves to get drunk, then again he can drink a lot before falling over. Him and his wife both.”

“Sounds like Becki. She knows how to hold her liquor better than me. But of course she’s a big flirt towards the men.”

Jushiro laughed. “Shunsui is like that to women. He chases them like crazy. But when I need his advice, he’s always there for me. As the same for when he needs my advice.”

Sasha looked up into Jushiro’s face. He was much taller than her, only reaching his shoulders. She guessed he was probably a little over six feet. “Friends can be hard to come by. But you really know who your friends are when you’re back into a corner. They will always come and bail you out.”

“That is so true,” he agreed.

Over in the corner, Becki watched the two danced, quietly talking. She smiled at them. “Whoever you are, you just made my friend’s night. You hurt her; I’ll kill you.” If only she knew the type of man he really was, she wouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Soon enough the song ended into a more upbeat tune. Jushiro and Sasha made their way off the dance floor and strolled back to the refreshment table where they grabbed a plate of food and then proceeded back to the table where their drinks were left.

As Jushiro quietly ate his food, his mind drifted to his mission. Was the woman before him, the very one he was searching for? If she was, he had to keep his eyes out for any danger. This would be a perfect opportunity for a Hollow attack. But if he was wrong... no he couldn't think about that. Whom ever had strong spiritual pressure, would no doubt attract a powerful Hollow. But there was one big question constantly running through his mind. Who took Aizen’s place?